Spain beat England 2:1 to win Euro 2024
Tournament favourite, Spain, this evening in Berlin, Germany, lived up to their per-tournament billing to beat England by two goals to one to win Euro 2024 Cup (UEFA European Football Championship Cup for 2024)
Both goals of the game were scored in the second half of the game with Spain scoring first through Nico Williams. England equalized in the 80th of minute though Cole Palmer but the Spaniards made a breakaway and counter attack to score the winning goal in the 88th minute of play through Mikel Oyarzaba
Seventeen year old Lamin Yamal of Spain won the young player of the tournament award while Rodri, also of Spain, won the best player of the tournament award.
England’s Agony and Quest for the Euro
And so England’s quest for a trophy continues as they suffer another defeat in the final, this time against Spain. Despite their valiant effort, they were narrowly beaten 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
This marks the second consecutive European Championship final defeat for Gareth Southgate’s team, following their loss to Italy in 2021 on penalties. Prior to this, their only major tournament final was in 1966. That means in the last 58 years England, with the best professional league football in the world, the Premier league, has not won a major football tournament.
The nation is still seeking their first senior football tournament victory abroad, with the 1966 triumph and the Women’s Euro 2022 final win both taking place at Wembley.
Southgate’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the year, potentially making this his final major tournament after leading the team for eight years.
England had a slow start in Germany, facing criticism for their performances and coming close to elimination twice. However, their recent performances gave fans hope until they were defeated by Spain, the standout team of this Euros.
Skipper Kane managed to secure a portion of the Euro 2024 Golden Boot after scoring three goals, but overall, the tournament proved to be a significant letdown for England’s captain.
Kane appeared to lack fitness and sharpness in matches, a far cry from the exceptional striker he has been known to be in the past, holding the title of England’s top goalscorer.
The fans of England were vocal in their calls for Ollie Watkins, the hero of the semi-final match, to be brought on early in the second half. It was clear who they wanted him to replace, expressing their frustration when Kane failed to react quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area.
In response to the supporters’ demands, Manager Southgate substituted Kane, who left the field looking disheartened. Kane is still waiting for his first major trophy, missing out on another chance to shine on the grand stage.
Although Watkins was unable to make a significant impact this time, Palmer once again displayed his talent and influence with an equalizing goal. Southgate made a bold decision by choosing Luke Shaw as the left-back over Kieran Trippier, reverting to a back four formation. Shaw, who had not started a match in 148 days, put on an impressive performance in his first England start since June 2023.
Despite the efforts of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, England struggled to make an impact in other areas. They were outplayed by a superior opponent once more, leaving them to wait until the 2026 World Cup for another chance at success.
Spain’s Triumph in Euro 2024
Spain secured its fourth European soccer championship victory by scoring an 86th-minute goal from Mikel Oyarzabal to defeat England in the Euro 2024 final held in Berlin on Sunday.
The team achieved a flawless record by winning all seven games played at Euro 2024, solidifying their status as champions and delivering one of the most impressive international tournament performances in history.
Having previously claimed victory in 1964, 2008, and 2012, Spain now stands as the sole record-holder with four European championship titles, surpassing Germany as the only other three-time champions.
